Rhododendron Sun Fire - Hybrid Rhododendron

Plant Rhododendron 'Sun Fire' in a partially shaded location, protected from cold and drying winds, in a moist, humus-bearing, light soil, with a tendency towards acidity. Like all plants that prefer acidic soil, it does not tolerate limestone soils or heavy soils that become waterlogged in winter. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at the level of the collar, in a mixture composed of 1/4 organic matter, leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system. As a result, they are sensitive to long periods of drought. Therefore, it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and water abundantly during dry periods. In addition, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) when planting. Apply a mulch of crushed pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to keep the soil moist while maintaining an acidic pH. Maintenance consists of removing faded flowers in summer and cleaning dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of the leaves and rootlets, as well as the famous 'rhododendron beetle', which does not usually cause severe damage. Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendron indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and can lead to premature death of the plant. While limestone is often the cause, poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also explain the phenomenon.